Baptist Health recently partnered with Arkansas-based medical device startup Vascugenix to introduce new technology to the U.S. that was developed by Baptist Health cardiologist Dr. Dwight Chrisman.
The Speed Torque is specially designed to improve the process of guidewire manipulation in cardiovascular procedures. The patented design allows physicians to easily manipulate a guidewire with one hand, unlike traditional guidewire torque devices that require two hands to advance and reposition.
“We have been working for several years to bring this device to patients,” said Chrisman, who invented the technology and is the chief medical officer for Vascugenix. “Having a guidewire that can be manipulated comfortably with one hand will ultimately save procedure time, money, and improve patient safety. Our next focus is to get this into the hands of physicians working in cath labs around the country.”
The Speed Torque was first used by Chrisman on Oct. 3 at Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock during a coronary artery intervention.